The Bible on the Olympics

"We are saved by grace, not works." I don't usually quote that. :) It's too often quoted by people like the ones Paul criticized, who take a complacent view of what grace endows. But I think that if we look at how grace is described in the New Testament, we aren't in danger of thinking it's something given to lazy people. To use an example: Tonight the final contest of the Olympics ice dancing was held. One of the pairs didn't skate its best, but it got the gold medal because it was overall the better team. Another pair skated its best and came in fifth, because it wasn't as skilled as the gold medal team. My guess is that Jesus would have given the second pair the gold medal. What seems to matter to Jesus isn't how skilled the competitors are - how many mistakes they make - but rather whether they put their whole heart into avoiding the mistakes. Were you around when we had the conversation about Matthew 5:48? Where the English translation says, "You must be perfect," the Greek word translated as "perfect" is actually better translated as "wholly committed." It's used in that manner throughout the Bible, especially in Paul's writings. Here are some Olympics quotes from the Bible, along that theme: "In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun; which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course. It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Psalm 19:5-6, Coverdale translation) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (I Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV) "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." (II Timothy 4:7-8) Heather [E-mail]   [Home Page]